Notes |
- RESEARCH_NOTES:
1. FHL book 975.5 D2b5, "Southside Virginia Families," by John Bennett Boddie, vol. 1, 1976-1996, pp. 35-7:
"Bell of Surry.
A large land Owner of James City, north of the James River, was Richard Bell, who, with Christopher Lawson, patented 500 acres in J. C. May 23, 1637 "at a little Indian field over against John Dansey"(C. P. 58). Christopher Lawson, on May 1, 1638, patented 400 acres in James City, south of the River, at the head of Rolfes Creek (later called Smith's Fort Creek)(C. P. 89). On Dec. 25, 1642, Thomas Wombell patented 650 acres next to Richard Bell (C. P. 141). Thomas Wombell next patented 1100 acres in Isle of Wight and Richard Bell was a headright (C. P. 176). Often old settlers returning from England sold their headright. Robert Holt, Jan. 20, 1650, patented 1560 acres, "560 acres being granted unto Richard Bell, April 10, 1642, and by John Waddington who purchased it from John Allison and Dorothy, his wife, sold unto Holt"(C.P.2]5).
Sir William Berkeley patented 2090 acres in James City, "300 acres upon head of land of Richard Bell", x x 1090 acres known as "Green Springs" (C. P. 415). Both Christopher Lawson and Thomas Wombell settled in Isle of Wight. It is not known what became of Richard Bell. He may be the ancestor of the Surry family. The James City records were burned in Richmond.
The first one of the name from whom the Surry family descends is John Bell who was born in 1668. He testified in a law suit in Surry, July 9, 1705, that he was 37 years old. John Bell married Ann Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett, Jr., of Isle of Wight. On August 30, 1694, Richard Bennett, Sr., of Isle of Wight, made a deed of gift to Ann Bell "the now wife of John Bell, lately Ann Bennett, daughter of Richard Bennett, Jr., Isle of Wight" (Surry W. & D. Bk. 1693-1707). John Bell died intestate in 1713 and an inventory of his estate was filed by Ann, his wife, as administratrix.
Children:
I. Joseph, of Lawnes Creek Parish, made his will Jan. 5, 1731/32, probated July 18, 1733. He gave a legacy to cousin (nephew) Burrell Bell 150 acres, residue to brother John Bell, he to be executor. Wits.: Gregory Rawlings, John Clark (1730-38, p. 311).
II. John, mentioned as a brother of Joseph, made his will in Albemarle Parish, later Sussex, April 19, 1746, probated June 18, 1746. His wife was Hannah who made her Will in Sussex in 1768… [Mentions Children.]
III. Richard, m. Sarah. He made his will Nov. 8, 1734, probated Feb. 19, 1734/35... [Mentions Children.]
IV. Benjamin, m. Anne Champion. dau. of Elizabeth (Williams) and Benjamin Champion (See Champion). Charles Binns was guardian in 1715 for Benjamin Bell, son of John Bell. Benjamin's will was dated in Sussex May 16, 1751, probated Oct. 15, 1751... [Provides will abstract and mentions Children.]"
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